Former Harlequins rugby union chief executive and coach Mark Evans has joined NRL champions Melbourne Storm as part of a new regime.

Evans, 54, who spent a decade at the helm of Quins, has been appointed as chief executive of Storm, who have been sold by News Limited to a private consortium put together by New Zealand entrepreneur Bart Campbell.

The sale was announced by outgoing chief executive Ron Gauci at a press conference at Melbourne's AAMI Park. It marks the start of a new era for the Storm, who have only ever been owned by News Ltd since entering the premiership in 1998.

Gauci said: "This is an important moment in the history of this great club. My appointment in July 2010 was all about making this day possible.

"We are delighted Mark Evans has become CEO. He is regarded as one of the best CEOs in any form of rugby in the UK and he has considerable rugby league experience."